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Original poster

Question about the new Further Maths A level

34 replies

AtiaoftheJulii · 28/04/2018 19:42

Edexcel if that makes any difference.

So, as I understand it, with the old A levels you could do maths, further maths, and then you could do extra modules and end up with additional further maths AS or A level as well.

With the new versions, it seems to be only maths and FM that's available. Ds's 6th form college get them to choose two out of further stats 1, further mechanics 1, and decision 1 for their FM options. In an ideal world, he'd choose to do further pure 1 and 2 over any of the applied options, and he's wondering at the moment whether he could do an extra paper or two. Obviously he can just study the maths, no one can stop him, lol, but is there any way of getting any credit for the extra work?

OP posts:
OhYouBadBadKitten · 28/04/2018 23:19

I don't know for sure, but I think if he's thinking about cambridge going as far as he can with mechanics would make life easier in his first year.

Original poster
AtiaoftheJulii · 28/04/2018 23:14

Do you have a plan for this year's couple of y12 keen kids then? Or do you think the new spec will be challenging/time-consuming enough?

OP posts:
GHGN · 28/04/2018 23:01

I did all the training and launch events with Edexcel and I asked this question myself because I always had a couple of students doing extra modules every year with the old spec. If my memory is working on a Saturday night then that is what was said.

Original poster
AtiaoftheJulii · 28/04/2018 22:46

Oh, is that what Edexcel says GHGN?

Seems a bit of a shame for those who might have done 15 or 18 units previously.

OP posts:
Original poster
AtiaoftheJulii · 28/04/2018 22:44

The MEI spec (which used to do the additional A-level) just now says that candidates who do extra papers will just get the result from the best combination of papers.

Ah, thanks noble - we can check what Edexcel says - if they're the same, then at least that way if he wants he could do some extra pure and it wouldn't disadvantage him.

OP posts:
GHGN · 28/04/2018 22:43

if a student does extra module it is for their own benefit, they are not allowed to take the exam.

Original poster
AtiaoftheJulii · 28/04/2018 22:41

Students sutvpaper 1, the compulsory core, then paper 2, the choice of 2 from pure, decision, stats and mechanics. I know there are always exceptions that surprise me, but I can't see how he could sit an extra half of a paper 2, or how that would be credited.

I was talking about the full A level, so papers 3 and 4. Various combinations of further pure 1&2, further stats 1&2, further mechanics 1&2, or decision 1&2 can be done.

(He's doing stats and mechanics for his AS next month, but obviously that won't count towards next year's A level.)

If he wants to broaden/deepen his maths he can take part in competitions like the maths challenge.

Yes, he's had some good results in the Olympiads over the years Grin Hence wanting to do more maths!

OP posts:
StainlessSteelCat · 28/04/2018 20:32

Teaching Edexcel AS FM. Students sutvpaper 1, the compulsory core, then paper 2, the choice of 2 from pure, decision, stats and mechanics. I know there are always exceptions that surprise me, but I can't see how he could sit an extra half of a paper 2, or how that would be credited. If he wants to broaden/deepen his maths he can take part in competitions like the maths challenge. He could also self study the further pure options (there may be material to support this route, look for FMSP website) and perhaps show his school he can achieve in these subjects: there might be a way for him to study different options to other students, but very dependent on how able he is and how supportive the school is

noblegiraffe · 28/04/2018 20:22

I don’t think so. The MEI spec (which used to do the additional A-level) just now says that candidates who do extra papers will just get the result from the best combination of papers.

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